Umbrella is going WEEKLY!

Starting in January 2024, transgender and non-binary high school youth will have weekly access to a safe, supportive trans-centered and trans-led space at OUT MetroWest! We are so excited expand Umbrella and provide:

More opportunity for interaction and connection with our diverse team of trans and non-binary staff, Adult Advisors and Peer Leaders
More variety in program topics
More consistency for those with busy schedules
Constant community!

When we made this exciting announcement last night at Umbrella, here's what some of our current youth had to say:

"Yes! Wednesdays feel so empty when I can't come here."

"Double the trans, triple the fun!"

AND! For months with a 5th Wednesday, those Umbrella meetings will be open to middle school transgender and non-binary youth!

We are so grateful to the Umbrella team members for all their hard work. This program expansion would not be possible without them!

A Special Message from Governor Maura Healey

"The work that OUT MetroWest does to support young people in Massachusetts is just so important."

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Governor Maura Healey for sending in a special video message for our Come OUT & Celebrate 10th Annual Gay-la and community! Governor Healey speaks to this critical moment in LGBTQ+ history:

"Our community is facing an onslaught of anti-gay, anti-trans legislation... never doubt that you are welcome, that you are loved, that you are celebrated!"

Watch the full video from Governor Healey here!

JOY. RESILIENCY. GROWTH. PRIDE.

At the end of each fiscal year, we share highlights and accomplishments with the community through our Year in Review. This year features program and fundraising numbers, photos from events throughout the year, a welcome message from Board Chair, Octavio González (he/him), and more!

Read the full Year In Review here!

Recent Program Highlights!

Public Lands Framingham hosted us for rock climbing in early November. OUT MetroWest participants ranging from elementary to young adult joined us for this fun for all ages!

Nexus (middle school) youth made pancakes without a recipe! They included some surprise ingredients, including an entire box of cocoa puff cereal and sprinkles.

Author Jennie Wood (they/them) joined us for an author talk and book signing! Jennie is an award-winning queer comic writer, and has donated several of their books to our LGBTQ+ library. Come by our space and check them out! (Pun intended!)

Umbrella (high school transgender and non-binary) youth made a Transgender Day of Remembrance quilt, honoring transgender community members who are no longer with us, and sharing their personal journeys.

LGBTQ+ youth need YOU to light the way!

With only 24 days left in the year, youth need YOUR support today to ensure weekly programs continue throughout 2024 and beyond!

In our recent surveys, 24% of youth reported having NO openly LGBTQ+ adults in their lives outside of our programs, and an additional 60% reported only having 1 or 2.

As a member of this community, you know the importance of LGBTQ+ role models for queer and trans youth!

Peer Leader Maggie (they/them) recently described their first night back in two years:

"Past adults remembered me, which made me feel so special...That night I left with new resources, new friends, and a new community."

You can give the gift of community and belonging to an LGBTQ+ young person. Please make a contribution today to help reach our goal of raising $55,000 by December 31st. You can light the way for LGBTQ+ youth, like Maggie!

Donate today!

People Who Bring Our Mission to Life

Cristina (she/they) is our new Outreach Coordinator! Cristina has a deep passion for social justice initiatives and sees it as a part of her life’s mission to work towards individual and societal healing. Read their full bio at the link below!

Eli (he/him) is our Program Coordinator! Eli, who started at OUT MetroWest as an Adult Advisor, will be with us until he graduates in May '24. You can find Eli at Prism and Umbrella each week! Read his full bio at the link below!

Our Adult Advisors & Peer Leaders (high school youth) co-plan and co-facilitate our programs, creating a welcoming and fun environment for all. They bring a wide range of experiences, interests, and identities as role models for our youth!

Read full Staff bios here!

OUT MetroWest is looking for new committee members! Committees include:

Trivia Night and Spring Auction - Trivia Night will be back in-person after five years! This committee plans Trivia Night and the Spring Auction. We will start meeting SOON, so let us know ASAP if you are interested!

Human Resources - This is a new committee that will review, revise, and propose HR policies and practices for OUT MetroWest, particularly through an equity lens. Looking for people with experience in HR.

Finance - Works with the ED and Treasurer to develop and review the organization's fiscal policies, advise on financial decisions, and finalize/endorse an annual budget. Meets in December, February, April, June, August, and October. Looking for people with some financial experience, particularly in a nonprofit.

Governance - Advises on board make-up and function, making recommendations to strengthen board effectiveness. Oversees nominating process for board membership. Looking for people with nonprofit board experience.

Email Whitney at whitney.retallic@outmetrowest.org to learn more about any of these opportunities!

Donate TODAY to support our FREE programs!

OUT MetroWest builds communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive.

OUT MetroWest recognizes the Agawam, Massachusett, Nipmuc, and Pawtucket nations, on whose traditional lands we deliver our programs. We acknowledge these Indigenous peoples as the past, present, and future caretakers of the land now known as the MetroWest Boston region.